State: 3 used charity status to buy cars

State authorities have settled claims against three Central Jersey residents who they say used a cancer charity's tax exempt status to buy millions of dollars' worth of luxury cars without paying sales tax.

The Division of Consumer Affairs announced the agreement Monday.

Agency officials say Patrick Caffrey of Keansburg, president of the Matawan-based Tri County Charity Center, conspired with Carl and Denise Monto of Beachwood - who operated an unlicensed motor vehicle dealership out of their home - to buy cars in the charity's name. The three then exported the vehicles across Europe, Asia and North America.